Welcoming Disabled Customers guide launched

A new and updated guide on meeting the needs of disabled customers and clients has launched at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort.

Welcoming Disabled Customers was developed by Business Disability Forum, a not-for-profit membership organisation, and sponsored by Merlin Entertainments.

Business Disability Forum collaborated with businesses, disability organisations and people with disabilities for the guide, which will help UK businesses deliver inclusive customer service.

Welcoming Disabled Customers provides staff with information on understanding and meeting the needs and preferences of customers with different conditions and disabilities.

This includes advice on communication needs and information on access issues and making adjustments.

Sandra Hazel, Group Head of Being a Force for Good at Merlin Entertainments, described the guide as “a fantastic tool for service businesses in helping welcome guests”.

She continued: “We are committed to continuously improving the accessibility of our attractions and will take every reasonable step to make the necessary adjustments for all our guests to enjoy a great day out.

“This includes great customer service, and this guide will certainly help all our teams have the confidence to interact and create great memorable experiences for guests of all abilities.”

Welcoming Disabled Customers

At the launch event on Thursday (March 7) at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, guests were able to experience the accessible facilities at the attraction, including the Total Sensory Space– providing a calming environment for guests with additional needs – which launched last year.

“Disabled people want to be able to access the same services, products and facilities as everyone else and have a right to do so,” said Diane Lightfoot, CEO of Business Disability Forum.

“Welcoming Disabled Customers is here to help customer facing staff be proactive and have the confidence to begin conversations with customers about their needs without the fear of getting it wrong.”

She added that the “majority of disabilities are not immediately visible” and spoke about the importance of “ensuring your business is as inclusive as possible”.

“Delivering better customer service for disabled customers means better customer service for everyone,” she said.

It was confirmed this month that Smithsonian visitors who are blind or have low vision will soon be able to access to innovative and groundbreaking new technology.

Starting this spring, the Smithsonian will roll out Aira technology, which uses guests’ smartphone cameras or smart glasses to get free on-demand verbal descriptions.

Elsewhere, the CEO and founder of Morgan’s Wonderland, previously spoke to Blooloop about the world’s first theme park designed with special-needs individuals in mind.

Morgan’s Wonderland is the only non-profit theme park on Trip Advisor’s ‘Top 25 Amusement Parks – United States’. The attraction opened a revolutionary ultra-accessible splash park in 2017.